Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has raised concerns over what he describes as the increasing monetization of Ghanaian politics, saying elections have become a “financial venture” for many delegates.
Mr. Azeem made the remarks Monday on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East show in an interview with Seidu Mutawakil. His comments followed recent developments in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary in the Ayawaso East Constituency.
Over the weekend, the NDC elected Baba Jamal as its parliamentary candidate ahead of an upcoming by-election. The process has drawn criticism from some observers who alleged instances of vote-buying.
Mr. Azeem said the situation is not new and reflects a broader pattern in Ghana’s internal party elections and confirmations.
“This is not new, especially coming on the back of the NPP primaries and all the elections we have had in the past, including the confirmation of MMDCEs,” he said, referring to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives. “It has become like a financial venture in this country to be a delegate or an assembly member.”
He added that some delegates view by-elections, primaries and MMDCE confirmations as “harvest seasons.”
According to Mr. Azeem, the trend has been fueled by a growing perception that political contests are opportunities for financial gain.
“We think democracy is about raising enough money to get elected as a leader. Unfortunately, delegates and electorates have also come to believe it is a business venture for the candidates, so they too expect to receive something before voting,” he said.
Mr. Azeem argued that voters have contributed to the cycle because many feel excluded from leaders after elections.
He warned that the practice risks elevating individuals who lack integrity, knowledge and leadership capacity.
“People who do not have leadership qualities like integrity, knowledge and expertise to run an assembly or a country get elected and confirmed to lead us. That is what creates problems for us as a country,” he said.
President recalls Baba Jamal, OSP investigates
The controversy escalated after President John Dramani Mahama ordered the recall of Baba Jamal from his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, citing allegations of voter inducement linked to the primary. The presidency said the recall was intended to preserve the integrity of public office and avoid any perception of impropriety.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also launched investigations into alleged vote buying and vote selling related to the Ayawaso East primary, and has opened a separate inquiry into an alleged assault on an OSP officer during the exercise.
Baba Jamal has denied the allegations, saying he did not engage in vote buying and pledging to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations.
NDC response, calls for annulment
Meanwhile, the NDC has set up a three-member committee to probe the allegations, chaired by former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and lawyer Emefa Fugah as members. The party’s General Secretary has condemned the reported incidents, describing them as contrary to its values.
The NDC’s Majority Caucus in Parliament has called for the cancellation of the Ayawaso East parliamentary primary and for candidates found culpable of unethical conduct to be disqualified from future contests.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
